Climate Action: Policy
Teacher Resources
Driving Question: How can policy help us address climate change?
Government policies are essential for driving innovation and adaptation, and you have the power to advocate for changes to those policies. Explore climate policies that could benefit your community, and then write a letter to a decision-maker in support of a policy you believe will make an impact.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the importance of government policy when it comes to climate action.
- Research and assess a climate policy that will help address climate change.
- Write a letter to advocate for a climate policy.
Vocab Terms:
- advocacy
- policy
- research and development (R&D)
- standards
- subsidy
Opener: Policy
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide.
It was the first country to exploit coal, and the first country to stop. How did Britain quit the dirtiest fossil fuel?
Understanding Government Policy
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide.
In this blog post – What’s in the historic climate bill for your students? A lot! – you can learn all about the largest package of climate -related policy in US history!
What do we need government to do—and not do? Hear from experts about how the right policies can bring about the transformations we need, and then use the activity to evaluate what you’ve learned.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you watch
Preview the questions below, and then review the transcript.
While you watch
Look for answers to these questions:
- How are government leaders around the world driving goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050?
- Why is capital important for climate solutions, and what role does government play in funding those solutions?
- Where is government investment most impactful, and what’s one technology it has helped advance?
- How can government policy create markets for clean technologies?
- What are other ways that governments can help us reach our climate goals?
After you watch
Respond to this question: How do you think businesses and individuals can help government enact climate solutions?
Why Does Policy Matter?
Key Ideas
Policy Investigation
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide.
Our Writing Guide shares our approach to informal and formal writing – check it out!
What are the policies needed to address climate change? Investigate real legislation in the activity, and then use your research to write a letter advocating a policy that will impact your community.
Closer: Policy
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide.
Our online teacher community is a great resource for suggestions on how to implement Climate Project in your classroom.
Even if you’re not running for public office anytime soon, reflecting on your experience will make you a better advocate for the causes you care about.
